About 33 Kenyan ICT start-ups and SME’s are set to benefit from a 3-year funding project extended by the Government of Netherlands aimed at growing the ICT sector.

The funding is supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund phase III (NTF III), an initiative by the Dutch government. The funding worth US$ 1.2 million and is aimed at enhancing the export competitiveness of Kenyan IT & ITEs companies. The funding will also go towards the implementation of the ICT Masterplan 2017.

Speaking during the signing of the partnership Mr Joseph Tiampati, Principal Secretary Ministry of ICT said, “Kenya ICT business is already at the tipping point of Africa transformation. Many of our businesses have now expanded beyond our borders. As the government we are committed to supporting Kenyan businesses zeal to expand in an organized way. That’s why the development of an export strategy and the operationalization of the ICT Masterplan is an important deliverable of this partnership with the Dutch government.”

The 33 start-ups and SMEs will be supported in expanding and launching their businesses in foreign markets. The 33 emerged successful after they applied for the support in November 2014. The Kenyan companies will benefit from the promotion of high-value IT&ITES exports and the establishment of long-term business relationships.

source:cio